Dear readers,

With great pride and enthusiasm, I introduce to you the latest edition of “Voyage of Discovery,” a publication that stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and exceptional achievements of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Through this newsletter, we embark on a journey to showcase our institution’s remarkable strengths and achievements, this time with a special focus on the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS).

INOS holds a distinguished place in the realm of research and innovation. In April 2001, it was officially recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Malaysia, endorsed by the International Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Since then, INOS has been at the forefront of multidisciplinary marine science and oceanography research, providing advanced training to postgraduate students.

The year 2012 marked another significant milestone for INOS as it was designated as a Higher Education Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) in marine science by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (KPTM). This accolade reaffirmed INOS’s status as the seventh HICoE in Malaysia and the sole Centre of Excellence in oceanography and marine science. INOS has consistently focused its primary research programmes on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

INOS’s dedication to marine research has been acknowledged nationally and internationally. Recognising INOS as an oceanography and marine science leader, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia has entrusted it with comprehensive marine ecosystem research and conservation grants. Moreover, INOS has been named the National Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Node, which is pivotal in collecting oceanographic data for Malaysia. The institute has also been ranked among the top five in Southeast Asia for producing high-impact publications in marine research, as evidenced by Scopus in the South China Sea.

Internationally, INOS has forged strategic partnerships with the European Union through the TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus programme, offering a master’s degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems to students worldwide. Additionally, INOS has established collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) in China, the University of Southampton (UOS), and the University of Western Australia (UWA).

Among its many accolades on the global stage, INOS proudly holds the distinction of being the world’s first Certified Associated Data Unit (ADU) in the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) under UNESCO. Furthermore, it serves as the first Regional Training Centre (RTC) for the Asia-Pacific region within the Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA).

As we delve into the pages of “Voyage of Discovery,” I invite you to explore the remarkable journey of INOS and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in advancing the frontiers of oceanography and marine science. This publication serves as a testament to our dedication and an invitation to join us on our continued voyage of discovery, where knowledge knows no bounds and the ocean’s secrets are unveiled.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the contributors, researchers, and staff who have made this newsletter possible, and I hope it inspires us all to dream, explore, and make discoveries.

Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary voyage.